WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Canadian Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews today announced the Cybersecurity Action Plan, which aims to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation through enhanced integration and collaboration of joint cybersecurity activities between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Public Safety Canada. This Action Plan represents just one of many important efforts between the US and Canada to deepen strong bilateral cybersecurity cooperation and advance the objectives articulated in the February 2011 declaration, Beyond the Border: A Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness, which is aimed at defending and protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring resiliency of our mutual assets, and securing a free and open cyberspace.

“The Cybersecurity Action Plan reinforces the robust relationship between DHS and Public Safety Canada,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We look forward to continuing our work together to increase the resiliency of our networks, enhance public-private partnerships, and build a culture of shared responsibility.”

“Because the Internet knows no borders, Canada and the US have a mutual interest in partnering to protect our shared infrastructure,” said Mr. Toews. “We are committed to working with the US to protect vital government and critical digital infrastructure of binational importance, and to make cyberspace safer for all our citizens.”

The joint Cyber Security Action Plan follows the September 27 announcement by Minister Toews of a new partnership between Public Safety Canada and the Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign, which is a year-round national public awareness effort designed to engage and challenge Americans to join the effort to practice and promote safe online practices. This partnership complements the Government of Canada’s Get Cyber Safe campaign, which provides Canadians with the information they need to protect themselves and their families against online threats.

Both announcements underscore the importance of collaborative efforts and the commitment from the Governments of Canada and the United States to cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure.

The Cybersecurity Action Plan outlines shared goals for improved engagement, collaboration, and information sharing at the operational and strategic levels, with the private sector, and in public awareness activities.